WO2012049470A1

WO2012049470A1 - A fan assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2012049470A1
Application number: PCT/GB2011/051801
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timothy Stickney; Christopher Hodgson; James Bryden
Original assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2010-10-13
Filing date: 2011-09-23
Publication date: 2012-04-19
Anticipated expiration: 2013-04-13
Also published as: EP2627908B1; JP2013543558A; JP2014196748A; US20130272858A1; JP5895983B2; CN104279172A; CN102444629A; EP2627908A1; US10100836B2; CN102444629B; CN202431623U; TWM431229U; JP5588565B2; CN104279172B; CN202746155U

Abstract

A fan assembly includes a nozzle and means for creating an air flow through the nozzle. The nozzle includes an interior passage, a mouth for receiving the air flow from the interior passage, and a Coanda surface located adjacent the mouth and over which the mouth is arranged to direct the air flow. The mouth and the Coanda surface extend about an axis. The Coanda surface comprises a diffuser portion, the angle subtended between the axis and the diffuser portion of the Coanda surface varying about the axis.

Description

A FAN ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a fan assembly. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a floor or table-top fan assembly, such as a desk, tower or pedestal fan.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A conventional domestic fan typically includes a set of blades or vanes mounted for rotation about an axis, and drive apparatus for rotating the set of blades to generate an air flow. The movement and circulation of the air flow creates a 'wind chill' or breeze and, as a result, the user experiences a cooling effect as heat is dissipated through convection and evaporation. The blades are generally located within a cage which allows an air flow to pass through the housing while preventing users from coming into contact with the rotating blades during use of the fan.

WO 2009/030879 describes a fan assembly which does not use caged blades to project air from the fan assembly. Instead, the fan assembly comprises a cylindrical base which houses a motor-driven impeller for drawing a primary air flow into the base, and an annular nozzle connected to the base and comprising an annular mouth through which the primary air flow is emitted from the fan. The nozzle defines an opening through which air in the local environment of the fan assembly is drawn by the primary air flow emitted from the mouth, amplifying the primary air flow. The nozzle includes a Coanda surface over which the mouth is arranged to direct the primary air flow. The Coanda surface extends symmetrically about the central axis of the opening so that the air flow generated by the fan assembly is in the form of an annular jet having a cylindrical or frusto-conical profile. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention provides a fan assembly comprising a nozzle and means for creating an air flow through the nozzle, the nozzle comprising an interior passage, a mouth for receiving the air flow from the interior passage, and a Coanda surface located adjacent the mouth and over which the mouth is arranged to direct the air flow, wherein the mouth and the Coanda surface extend about an axis; characterised in that the Coanda surface comprises a diffuser portion, the angle subtended between the axis and the diffuser portion varying about the axis.

The profile of the air current generated by the fan assembly is dependent, inter alia, on angle subtended between the axis and the diffuser portion of the Coanda surface. Through varying the angle subtended between the axis and the diffuser portion of the surface about the axis, the air current generated by the fan assembly may have a non- cylindrical or a non-frusto-conical profile without a significant change to the size or shape of the outer surface of the nozzle of the fan assembly.

Preferably, the Coanda surface is continuous about the axis. Preferably, the angle varies along the Coanda surface, that is, about the axis, between at least one maximum value and at least one minimum value. Preferably, the angle varies along the Coanda surface between a plurality of maximum values and a plurality of minimum values. In a preferred embodiment the angle varies along the Coanda surface between two maximum values and two minimum values, but this number may be greater than two. The maximum values and the minimum values are preferably regularly spaced about the axis. The minimum value may be in the range from -15° to 15°, whereas the maximum value may be in the range from 20 to 35°. In a preferred embodiment the maximum value is at least twice the minimum value.

Preferably, the angle is at a minimum value at or towards at least one of an upper extremity and a lower extremity of the Coanda surface. Locating the minimum value at one or both of these extremities can "flatten" the upper and lower extremities of the profile of the air current generated by the fan assembly so that the air flow has an oval, rather than circular, profile. The profile of the air current is preferably also widened by locating a maximum value at or towards each side extremity of the Coanda surface. Preferably, the angle subtended between the axis and the diffuser portion of the Coanda surface varies continuously about the axis.

Preferably, the depth of the nozzle, as measured along the axis, varies about the axis. This feature may be provided in isolation from the varying shape of the Coanda surface in order to modify the profile of the air flow emitted from the fan assembly. In a second aspect the present invention provides a fan assembly comprising a nozzle and means for creating an air flow through the nozzle, the nozzle comprising an interior passage, a mouth for receiving the air flow from the interior passage, and a Coanda surface located adjacent the mouth and over which the mouth is arranged to direct the air flow; characterised in that the mouth and the Coanda surface extend about an axis, and wherein the depth of the nozzle, as measured along the axis, varies about the axis.

The nozzle is preferably in the form of a loop extending about the axis.

Preferably, the depth of the nozzle varies about the axis between at least one maximum value and at least one minimum value. Preferably, the depth of the nozzle varies about the axis between a plurality of maximum values and a plurality of minimum values. In a preferred embodiment the depth varies between two maximum values and two minimum values, but this number may be greater than two. The maximum value is preferably at least 1.25 times the minimum value, more preferably at least 1.5 times the minimum value. Preferably, the minimum value is in the range from 50 to 150 mm. The depth is preferably at a maximum value at or towards at least one of an upper extremity and a lower extremity of the surface, whereas the depth is preferably at a minimum value at or towards the side extremities of the surface. Preferably, the depth varies continuously about the axis between maximum and minimum values. Preferably, the nozzle or the Coanda surface has n-fold rotational symmetry, where n is an integer equal to or greater than 2. Increasing the value of n to three or more can result in the nozzle having a corrugated or sinuous profile in a plane orthogonal to the axis. Alternatively, the nozzle or the Coanda surface may be asymmetrical.

Preferably, the interior passage extends about the axis, with the cross-sectional area of the interior passage in a plane passing through, and parallel to, the axis being substantially constant about the axis. As a result, the air flow can be emitted generally evenly along the length of the mouth, and thus about the axis. In view of the variation about the axis of one or both of the depth of the nozzle and the angle subtended between the diffuser portion of the Coanda surface and the axis, the cross-sectional profile of the interior passage in said plane may vary about the axis to maintain the uniformity of the cross-sectional area of the interior passage. The cross-sectional profile of the interior passage is preferably shaped so as to taper towards the front of the nozzle. The radial thickness of the nozzle may therefore decrease towards the front of the nozzle so that, in any given plane passing through, and parallel to, the axis the radial thickness of the nozzle varies between a maximum value and a minimum value. This maximum value of the radial thickness of the nozzle may also vary about the axis.

The radial distance between the front end of the nozzle and the axis may also vary about the axis. The radial distance between the front end of the nozzle and the axis may vary about the axis as a function of the depth of the nozzle, and/or as a function of the angle subtended between the axis and the diffuser portion of the Coanda surface.

The mouth is preferably continuous about said axis, and may be substantially circular in shape. Preferably, the mouth has one or more outlets, and the spacing between opposing surfaces of the nozzle at the outlet(s) of the mouth is preferably in the range from 0.5 mm to 5 mm. Preferably, the nozzle defines an opening through which air from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air flow emitted from the mouth. The opening is preferably located in a plane which is substantially orthogonal to said axis. The interior passage preferably extends continuously about the opening so that the opening is an enclosed opening which is surrounded by the interior passage. The mouth and the surface preferably extend about the opening, more preferably continuously about the opening.

The nozzle is preferably mounted on a base housing said means for creating an air flow. In the preferred fan assembly the means for creating an air flow through the nozzle comprises an impeller driven by a motor.

As mentioned above, the surface over which the mouth is arranged to direct the air flow is a Coanda surface. A Coanda surface is a known type of surface over which fluid flow exiting an output orifice close to the surface exhibits the Coanda effect. The fluid tends to flow over the surface closely, almost 'clinging to' or 'hugging' the surface. The Coanda effect is already a proven, well documented method of entrainment in which a primary air flow is directed over a Coanda surface. A description of the features of a Coanda surface, and the effect of fluid flow over a Coanda surface, can be found in articles such as Reba, Scientific American, Volume 214, June 1966 pages 84 to 92. Through use of a Coanda surface, an increased amount of air from outside the fan assembly is drawn through the opening by the air emitted from the mouth.

In a preferred embodiment an air flow is created through the nozzle of the fan assembly.

In the following description this air flow will be referred to as the primary air flow. The primary air flow is emitted from the mouth of the nozzle and preferably passes over a

Coanda surface. The primary air flow entrains air surrounding the nozzle, which acts as an air amplifier to supply both the primary air flow and the entrained air to the user.

The entrained air will be referred to here as a secondary air flow. The secondary air flow is drawn from the room space, region or external environment surrounding the mouth of the nozzle and, by displacement, from other regions around the fan assembly, and passes predominantly through the opening defined by the nozzle. The primary air flow directed over the Coanda surface combined with the entrained secondary air flow equates to a total air flow emitted or projected forward from the opening defined by the nozzle. In a third aspect the present invention provides a fan assembly comprising a nozzle and means for creating an air flow through the nozzle, the nozzle comprising an interior passage, a mouth for receiving the air flow from the interior passage, and a Coanda surface located adjacent the mouth and over which the mouth is arranged to direct the air flow, wherein the interior passage and the mouth extend about an axis, and wherein the nozzle has a radial thickness which, in a plane passing through, and parallel to, the axis, varies between a maximum value and a minimum value, and wherein the maximum value of the radial thickness of the nozzle varies about the axis.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a fan assembly comprising a nozzle and means for creating an air flow through the nozzle, the nozzle comprising an interior passage, a mouth for receiving the air flow from the interior passage, and a Coanda surface located adjacent the mouth and over which the mouth is arranged to direct the air flow, wherein the interior passage and the mouth extend about an axis, and wherein the cross-sectional area of the interior passage in a plane passing through, and parallel to, the axis is substantially constant about the axis, and the cross-sectional profile of the interior passage in a said plane varies about the axis.

In a fifth aspect the present invention provides a fan assembly comprising a nozzle and means for creating an air flow through the nozzle, the nozzle comprising an interior passage and at least one air outlet for receiving the air flow from the interior passage and for emitting the air flow from the nozzle, wherein the interior passage extends about an axis to define an opening through which air from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air flow emitted from the at least one air outlet, wherein the depth of the nozzle, as measured along the axis, varies about the axis. In a sixth aspect the present invention provides a fan assembly comprising a nozzle and means for creating an air flow through the nozzle, the nozzle comprising an interior passage and at least one air outlet for receiving the air flow from the interior passage and for emitting the air flow from the nozzle, wherein the interior passage extends about an axis to define an opening through which air from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air flow emitted from the at least one air outlet, and wherein the nozzle has a radial thickness which, in a plane passing through, and parallel to, the axis, varies between a maximum value and a minimum value, and wherein the maximum value of the radial thickness of the nozzle varies about the axis.

In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a fan assembly comprising a nozzle and means for creating an air flow through the nozzle, the nozzle comprising an interior passage and at least one air outlet for receiving the air flow from the interior passage and for emitting the air flow from the nozzle, wherein the interior passage extends about an axis to define an opening through which air from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air flow emitted from the at least one air outlet, and wherein the cross-sectional area of the interior passage in a plane passing through, and parallel to, the axis is substantially constant about the axis, and the cross-sectional profile of the interior passage in a said plane varies about the axis.

Features described above in connection with the first aspect of the invention are equally applicable to each of the second to seventh aspects of the invention, and vice versa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view, from above, of a fan;

Figure 2 is a left side view of the fan; Figure 3 is a top view of the fan; Figure 4 is a front view of the fan;

Figure 5 is a side sectional view of the fan, taken along line A-A in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a sectional view of the air outlet of the fan, taken along line B-B in Figure 4; Figure 7 is the same sectional view as Figure 6 but with various parameters of the nozzle indicated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figures 1 to 4 are external views of a fan assembly 10. The fan assembly 10 comprises a body 12 comprising an air inlet 14 through which a primary air flow enters the fan assembly 10, and a nozzle 16 in the form of an annular casing mounted on the body 12, and which comprises a mouth 18 for emitting the primary air flow from the fan assembly 10.

The body 12 comprises a substantially cylindrical main body section 20 mounted on a substantially cylindrical lower body section 22. The main body section 20 and the lower body section 22 preferably have substantially the same external diameter so that the external surface of the upper body section 20 is substantially flush with the external surface of the lower body section 22. In this embodiment the body 12 has a height in the range from 100 to 300 mm, and a diameter in the range from 100 to 200 mm.

The main body section 20 comprises the air inlet 14 through which the primary air flow enters the fan assembly 10. In this embodiment the air inlet 14 comprises an array of apertures formed in the main body section 20. Alternatively, the air inlet 14 may comprise one or more grilles or meshes mounted within windows formed in the main body section 20. The main body section 20 is open at the upper end (as illustrated) thereof to provide an air outlet 23 through which the primary air flow is exhausted from the body 12. The main body section 20 may be tilted relative to the lower body section 22 to adjust the direction in which the primary air flow is emitted from the fan assembly 10. For example, the upper surface of the lower body section 22 and the lower surface of the main body section 20 may be provided with interconnecting features which allow the main body section 20 to move relative to the lower body section 22 while preventing the main body section 20 from being lifted from the lower body section 22. For example, the lower body section 22 and the main body section 20 may comprise interlocking reshaped members.

The lower body section 22 comprises a user interface of the fan assembly 10. The user interface comprises a plurality of user-operable buttons 24, 26, a dial 28 for enabling a user to control various functions of the fan assembly 10, and user interface control circuit 30 connected to the buttons 24, 26 and the dial 28. The lower body section 22 is mounted on a base 32 for engaging a surface on which the fan assembly 10 is located. Figure 5 illustrates a sectional view through the body fan assembly. The lower body section 22 houses a main control circuit, indicated generally at 34, connected to the user interface control circuit 30. In response to operation of the buttons 24, 26 and the dial 28, the user interface control circuit 30 is arranged to transmit appropriate signals to the main control circuit 34 to control various operations of the fan assembly 10.

The lower body section 22 also houses a mechanism, indicated generally at 36, for oscillating the lower body section 22 relative to the base 32. The operation of the oscillating mechanism 36 is controlled by the main control circuit 34 in response to the user operation of the button 26. The range of each oscillation cycle of the lower body section 22 relative to the base 32 is preferably between 60° and 120°, and in this embodiment is around 80°. In this embodiment, the oscillating mechanism 36 is arranged to perform around 3 to 5 oscillation cycles per minute. A mains power cable 38 for supplying electrical power to the fan assembly 10 extends through an aperture formed in the base 32. The cable 38 is connected to a plug (not shown) for connection to a mains power supply.

The main body section 20 houses an impeller 40 for drawing the primary air flow through the air inlet 14 and into the body 12. Preferably, the impeller 40 is in the form of a mixed flow impeller. The impeller 40 is connected to a rotary shaft 42 extending outwardly from a motor 44. In this embodiment, the motor 44 is a DC brushless motor having a speed which is variable by the main control circuit 34 in response to user manipulation of the dial 28. The maximum speed of the motor 44 is preferably in the range from 5,000 to 10,000 rpm. The motor 44 is housed within a motor bucket comprising an upper portion 46 connected to a lower portion 48. The upper portion 46 of the motor bucket comprises a diffuser 50 in the form of a stationary disc having spiral blades.

The motor bucket is located within, and mounted on, a generally frusto-conical impeller housing 52. The impeller housing 52 is, in turn, mounted on a plurality of angularly spaced supports 54, in this example three supports, located within and connected to the main body section 20 of the base 12. The impeller 40 and the impeller housing 52 are shaped so that the impeller 40 is in close proximity to, but does not contact, the inner surface of the impeller housing 52. A substantially annular inlet member 56 is connected to the bottom of the impeller housing 52 for guiding the primary air flow into the impeller housing 52. An electrical cable 58 passes from the main control circuit 34 to the motor 44 through apertures formed in the main body section 20 and the lower body section 22 of the body 12, and in the impeller housing 52 and the motor bucket.

Preferably, the body 12 includes silencing foam for reducing noise emissions from the body 12. In this embodiment, the main body section 20 of the body 12 comprises a first foam member 60 located beneath the air inlet 14, and a second annular foam member 62 located within the motor bucket. Returning to Figures 1 to 4, the nozzle 16 has an annular shape, extending about a central axis X to define an opening 70. The mouth 18 is located towards the rear of the nozzle 16, and is arranged to emit the primary air flow towards the front of the fan assembly 10, through the opening 70. The mouth 18 surrounds the opening 70. In this example, the nozzle 16 defines a generally circular opening 70 located in a plane which is generally orthogonal to the central axis X. The inner annular periphery of the nozzle 16 comprises a Coanda surface 72 located adjacent the mouth 18, and over which the mouth 18 is arranged to direct the air emitted from the fan assembly 10. The Coanda surface 72 comprises a diffuser portion 74 tapering away from the central axis X.

The nozzle 16 comprises an annular front casing section 76 connected to and extending about an annular rear casing section 78. The annular sections 76, 78 of the nozzle 16 extend about the central axis X. Each of these sections may be formed from a plurality of connected parts, but in this embodiment each of the front casing section 76 and the rear casing section 78 is formed from a respective, single moulded part. The rear casing section 78 comprises a base 80 which is connected to the open upper end of the main body section 20 of the body 12, and which has an open lower end for receiving the primary air flow from the body 12.

Each of the casing sections 76, 78 comprises an outer portion and an inner portion connected to the outer portion. With reference also to Figures 5 to 7, during assembly, the front end 82 of the outer portion of the rear casing section 78 is inserted into a slot 84 located at the rear of the outer portion of the front casing section 76. Each of the front end 82 and the slot 84 is generally cylindrical. The casing sections 76, 78 may be connected together using an adhesive introduced to the slot 84. The inner and outer portions of the front casing section 76 are joined at the front end 86 of the nozzle 16. As shown in Figure 4, the front end 86 of the nozzle 16 has a substantially constant thickness about the axis X. The front casing section 76 and the rear casing section 78 together define an annular interior passage 88 for conveying the primary air flow to the mouth 18. The interior passage 88 extends about the axis X, and is bounded by the internal surface 90 of the front casing section 76 and the internal surface 92 of the rear casing section 78. The base 80 of the front casing section 76 is shaped to convey the primary air flow into the interior passage 88 of the nozzle 16.

The mouth 18 is defined by overlapping, or facing, portions of the internal surface 92 of the inner portion of the rear casing section 78 and the external surface 94 of the inner portion of the front casing section 76, respectively. The mouth 18 preferably comprises an air outlet in the form of an annular slot. The slot is preferably generally circular in shape, and preferably has a relatively constant width in the range from 0.5 to 5 mm. In this example the air outlet has a width of around 1 mm. Spacers may be spaced about the mouth 18 for urging apart the overlapping portions of the front casing section 76 and the rear casing section 78 to control the width of the air outlet of the mouth 18. These spacers may be integral with either the front casing section 76 or the rear casing section 78. The mouth 18 is shaped to direct the primary air flow over the external surface 94 of the front casing section 76. As mentioned above, the external surface 94 of the front casing section 76 comprises a Coanda surface 72 over which the mouth 18 is arranged to direct the air emitted from the fan assembly 10. The Coanda surface 72 is annular, and thus is continuous about the central axis X. The Coanda surface 72 may be considered to have a length which extends about the axis X, a depth extending along the axis X, and a radial thickness in a direction which is perpendicular to the axis X. The Coanda surface 72 comprises a diffuser portion 74 tapering away from the axis X to the front end 86 of the nozzle 16. With particular reference to Figures 6 and 7, the angle Θ subtended between the diffuser portion 74 of the Coanda surface 72 and the axis X varies about the axis X. In this example, the angle Θ varies between maximum values, Θ _ΜΑΧ, and minimum values, Θ _MIN, about the axis X, and thus along the length of the Coanda surface 72. In this example the angle Θ comprises two maximum values, Θ _MAX, and two minimum values, Θ _MIN- The maximum values, Θ _MAX, are separated by an angle of around 180° about the axis X, and the minimum values, Θ _MIN, are similarly separated by an angle of around 180° about the axis X, with the minimum values, Θ _MIN, located midway between the maximum values, Θ _MAX- The angle Θ subtended between the axis X and the diffuser portion 74 of the Coanda surface 72 varies continuously about the axis X, and so the Coanda surface 72 has 2-fold rotational symmetry.

The minimum value, Θ _MIN, is preferably in the range from -15° to 15°, whereas the maximum value, Θ _ΜΑΧ, is preferably in the range from 20 to 35°. In this example the minimum value, Θ _MIN, is around 10°, whereas the maximum value, Θ _MAX, is around 28°. In this example, the angle Θ is at a minimum value, Θ _MIN, at or towards the upper extremity and the lower extremity of the Coanda surface 72. As the maximum values, Θ _MAX, are separated from the minimum values, Θ _MIN, by an angle of around 90°, the angle Θ is at a maximum value, Θ _MAX, at or towards the side extremities of the Coanda surface 72.

The cross-sectional area of the interior passage 88 in a plane passing through, and parallel to, the axis X is substantially constant about the axis X so that the primary air flow is emitted at a substantially constant rate about the axis X. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the cross-sectional profile of the interior passage 88 in two such planes PI and P2, indicated in Figure 4. Planes PI and P2 are substantially perpendicular. In the plane PI, the angle Θ is at a minimum value, Θ _MIN, whereas in the plane P2 the angle Θ is at a maximum value, Θ _MAX- In view of the variation of the angle Θ about the axis X, and the circular shape of the slot through which the primary air flow is emitted from the nozzle 16, the cross-sectional profile of the interior passage 88 varies about the axis X to maintain a constant cross-sectional area of the interior passage 88 about the axis X.

One or more of the parameters of the nozzle 16 may vary about the axis X to maintain a constant cross-sectional area of the interior passage 88 about the axis X. As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the depth of the nozzle 16 along the axis X may vary as a function of the angle Θ. In the plane PI, where the angle Θ is at a minimum value, Θ _MIN, the depth of the nozzle 16 along the axis X is at a maximum value, D _MAX, whereas in the plane P2, where the angle Θ is at a maximum value, Θ MAX, the depth of the nozzle 16 is at a minimum value, D MIN- The depth of the nozzle 16 thus also varies between two maximum values, D MAX, and two minimum values, D MIN, about the nozzle 16. Again, the maximum values, D MAX, are separated by an angle of around 180° about the axis X, and the minimum values, D MIN, are similarly separated by an angle of around 180° about the axis X, with the minimum values, D MIN, located midway between the maximum values, D MAX- The depth of the nozzle 16 also varies continuously about the axis X. In this example, D MAX is at least 1.25 times greater than D MIN, and is more preferably at least 1.5 times greater than D MIN- In this example, D MIN is around 85 mm and D MAX is around 130 mm.

The radial distance, R, between the front end 86 of the nozzle 16 and the axis X may vary about the axis X. In this example, the radial distance R varies as a function of the angle Θ between a minimum value R MIN when the angle Θ is at a minimum value and a maximum value R MAX when the angle Θ is at a maximum value.

The maximum value of the radial thickness of the nozzle 16, as measured in a plane passing through, and parallel to, the axis X may vary about the axis X. In this example the maximum radial thickness varies as a function of the angle Θ between a minimum value T MIN when the angle Θ is at a minimum value and a maximum value T MAX when the angle Θ is at a maximum value.

To operate the fan assembly 10 the user the user presses button 24 of the user interface. The user interface control circuit 30 communicates this action to the main control circuit 34, in response to which the main control circuit 34 activates the motor 44 to rotate the impeller 40. The rotation of the impeller 40 causes a primary air flow to be drawn into the body 12 through the air inlet 14. The user may control the speed of the motor 44, and therefore the rate at which air is drawn into the body 12 through the air inlet 14, by manipulating the dial 28 of the user interface. Depending on the speed of the motor 44, the primary air flow generated by the impeller 40 may be between 10 and 30 litres per second. The primary air flow passes sequentially through the impeller housing 52 and the air outlet 23 at the open upper end of the main body portion 20 to enter the interior passage 88 of the nozzle 16. The pressure of the primary air flow at the air outlet 23 of the body 12 may be at least 150 Pa, and is preferably in the range from 250 to 1.5 kPa. Within the interior passage 88 of the nozzle 16, the primary air flow is divided into two air streams which pass in opposite directions around the opening 70 of the nozzle 16. As the air streams pass through the interior passage 70, air is emitted through the mouth 18. The primary air flow emitted from the mouth 18 is directed over the Coanda surface 72 of the nozzle 16, causing a secondary air flow to be generated by the entrainment of air from the external environment, specifically from the region around the mouth 18 and from around the rear of the nozzle 16. This secondary air flow passes through the central opening 70 of the nozzle 16, where it combines with the primary air flow to produce a total air flow, or air current, projected forward from the nozzle 16. With the aforementioned variation of the angle Θ about the axis X, the profile of the air current generated by the fan assembly 10 is non-circular. The profile is generally oval, with the height of the profile being smaller than the width of the profile. This flattening, or widening, of the profile of the air current can make the fan assembly 10 particularly suitable for use as a desk fan in a room, office or other environment to deliver a cooling air current simultaneously to a number of users in proximity to the fan assembly 10. Alternatively, by locating the maximum values of θ, Θ MAX, at or towards the upper extremity and the lower extremity of the Coanda surface 72, the height of the profile of the air current may be greater than the width of the profile. This stretching of the profile of the air current in a vertical direction can make the fan assembly particularly suitable for use as a floor standing tower or pedestal fan.

Claims

1. A fan assembly comprising a nozzle and means for creating an air flow through the nozzle, the nozzle comprising an interior passage, a mouth for receiving the air flow from the interior passage, and a Coanda surface located adjacent the mouth and over which the mouth is arranged to direct the air flow, wherein the mouth and the Coanda surface extend about an axis;

characterised in that the Coanda surface comprises a diffuser portion, the angle subtended between the axis and the diffuser portion varying about the axis.

2. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Coanda surface is continuous about the axis.

3. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the angle varies along the surface between at least one maximum value and at least one minimum value.

4. A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the angle varies along the Coanda surface between a plurality of maximum values and a plurality of minimum values.

5. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the maximum value is at least twice the minimum value.

6. A fan assembly as claimed in any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the minimum value is in the range from -15° to 15°.

7. A fan assembly as claimed in any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the maximum value is in the range from 20 to 35°.

8. A fan assembly as claimed in any of claims 3 to 7, wherein the angle is at a minimum value at or towards at least one of an upper extremity and a lower extremity of the Coanda surface.

9. A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the angle subtended between the axis and the diffuser portion of the Coanda surface varies continuously about the axis.

10. A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the Coanda surface has n-fold rotational symmetry, where n is an integer equal to or greater than 2.

11. A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the interior passage extends about the axis, and wherein the cross-sectional area of the interior passage in a plane passing through, and parallel to, the axis is substantially constant about the axis.

12. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the interior passage in a said plane varies about the axis.

13. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the interior passage in a said plane varies continuously about the axis.

14. A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the radial distance between the axis and the front end of the nozzle varies about the axis.

15. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the radial distance between the front end of the nozzle and the axis varies about the axis as a function of the angle subtended between the axis and the diffuser portion of the surface.

16. A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle defines an opening through which air from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air flow emitted from the mouth.

17. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the opening is located in a plane which is substantially orthogonal to said axis.

18. A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle is mounted on a base housing said means for creating an air flow.

19. A fan assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mouth is continuous about said axis.

20. A fan assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein the mouth is substantially circular in shape.

21. A fan assembly substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.